THIS IS A DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONAL ONLY RECRUITMENT
Under supervision provides licensed vocational level nursing to support public health clients within a range of public health programs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbents must have requisite licensed vocational nurse education, certification, and licensure. Nursing duties are performed in support of program activities and are typically carried out in communicable disease investigation, immunization administration and coordination, oral and injectable medication administration, direct observation therapy, emergency preparedness and response, and maternal and child health. The Public Health LVN is distinguished from Public Health Nurses in that an employee in this class provides technical and coordination support to PHNs and other public health staff. The LVN may also function as a team leader over other nonprofessional public health personnel.
REPORTS TO
Public Health Officer, Public Health Nursing Manager, Deputy Director of Health and Human Services Agency, or designee.
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
This is not a supervisory classification.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit and stand for extended periods; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of medical and office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in clinical, office, and home environments; exposure to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens; continuous contact with other staff and the public. Incumbents are expected to follow universal precautions. Incumbents may be required to drive to remote areas of the County in all weather conditions.
(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)
Provide and facilitate group and/or individual health education of a general or specific nature.
Provide one to one para-professional level counseling of a specific nature, as directed, for clients requiring lifestyle or nutrition modifications.
As part of a “team” approach, assess and evaluate client medical histories, risk behaviors and/or test results to determine educational/counseling needs.
Monitors clients’ medical and psychological status and behavior and keeps case managers informed as to their status.
Performs venipuncture for the purpose of drawing blood samples; may give immunizations under physician or mid-level practitioner orders, collects and transports various specimens for laboratory testing; performs other nursing duties required to obtain information in support of counseling/education activities.
Develops and maintains communication with relevant community and government organizations which provide services to clients; serves as client’s advocate for obtaining services.
May visit clients at home in order to carry out assignments or provide transportation so client may participate in program activities.
Responds to questions from the public and informs prospective clients about specific program activities.
Keeps records and statistical data, and inputs case management information into personal computers as required.
Participates in developing and evaluating educational materials, curriculum and sessions.
Refers clients to providers of service according to protocol or under the direction of the Public Health Nursing Manager.
One year of experience as a community worker or related position, which included outreach education within a public health or voluntary non-profit health, related agency preferably dealing with ‘at risk’ populations.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid California license as a Vocational or Registered Nurse.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License. Those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.
Independent travel may be required.
All County employees can and will be called upon to act as Disaster Workers when needed.
In the event that an employee changes class, or if requirements are changed after initial appointment, employees may be required to submit to a background investigation.
Knowledge of:
The principles, methods and techniques used in clinical vocational nursing.
Medical terminology.
Basic math and statistical concepts.
Basic computer usage.
The principles, methods and techniques used in public health education.
The principles, methods and techniques used in counseling designed to bring about lifestyle or nutritional adjustments.
The available sources and methods of obtaining public health/counseling/medical treatment services.
The principles of treatment used in a specified medical specialty depending upon the position being filled.
Ability to:
Collect, tabulate, and analyze data and draw logical conclusions.
Keep accurate written records in English.
Communicate effectively with persons from a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds for the purpose of gaining confidential medical and personal histories, and educating and counseling them concerning health practices or nutrition.
Perform venipuncture and apply other vocational nursing skills.
Develop and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Work under limited daily supervision and function as part of a “team” approach to client management.
Exhibit professionalism and deal tactfully with clients known to have, or who may be carrying a variety of diseases including the HIV virus.
Speak before groups.
Operate standard office equipment, including a computer and specialized software for case management.
